COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Police Department is reaching out to the community, breaking communication barriers, and building relationships with citizens during a “Coffee with a Cop” event Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016.
Officers from the Collinsville Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Collinsville’s neighborhoods.
“The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street,” according to a press release issued by the Collinsville Police Department.
Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” Collinsville police chief Steve Evans said.
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
“These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships,” Evans said.
Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.
The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.
All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00am on 12/06/2016 at Abby’s Best Raw Juices 205 W. Main St. Collinsville, IL. For questions or for more information please contact Lt. Gary Scaggs at 618-344-2131 or gscaggs@collinsvilleil.org.
